Office Puppy Diaries Volume 3: When can puppies be around other dogs?
Puppies are glorious little balls of boundless energy. They will play with anything and everything! But should you let them? When can a puppy be around other dogs, especially adult dogs? Our newest office puppies are so playful and curious! It’s big dog vs small dog in here, and the little guys usually win! As we mentioned in an earlier post, it's important to make sure that a puppy has all their shots before they really go nose-to-nose with other dog playmates.
There are other reasons to be cautious when you have puppies playing. It is not uncommon for puppies to lack the concept of moderation during dog play, and it is extremely important that dog owners limit their exercise so that they play a safe and healthy amount. A puppy’s muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments are not fully grown and are “still soft” until they are around 10 months or so. A larger dog and a smaller dog have different limits, so keep an eye on any puppy playing with the grown-ups, no matter how bold your little dog might seem.
You might be wondering: when does a puppy become a dog? Small dogs are considered fully grown at around 10 months (and large dog breeds at around 18 months). However, even after a puppy is considered fully grown, it is still important to make sure your furry friend is playing safe on dog playdates at the dog park!
There are many unsettling stories of puppies suffering serious (and costly) injuries from excessive play. Too much, too soon puts your little one at risk. Even if their body language doesn't show any signs of tiring, it is not a good idea to let them play fetch for hours at a time. It’s best to start small with your furry best friend and to gradually let them work their way into playing and exercising more intensely.
The same mindset goes for puppies and big dogs playing. Assuming they’ve had their shots, some brave puppies love to learn social skills and romp with the big dogs! Allowing your puppy to play with other, older dogs is the perfect way to exercise and socialize them, the key is to not go overboard. The younger the puppy, the more you want to limit how long they go at it and if the other dog is a much bigger large breed dog (such as a German Shepherd, Great Dane, Mastiff, Maltese, Bulldog, Poodle, Golden Retriever or Doberman), you’ll want to make sure they don’t get excessively rough to keep your pup safe.
Under the right conditions, puppies can play with bigger dogs
You also need to make sure that your new dog or puppy has been properly trained before allowing them to meet other dogs. Dog training ensures that if your puppy gets overwhelmed (often seen in growling and other aggressive behavior), you can help de escalate the situation.
Under the right conditions, puppies can play with bigger dogs but it’s up to the responsible owner to ensure they stay safe. PetDoors.com had a 3-month Aussie puppy stop by the office, so Maverick and Loki were able to enjoy some puppy time. Here’s some of the action in slowmo:
We also have more articles in the Office Puppy Diaries Saga! Check out the next Office Puppy Diaries Volume 4: No Begging (Kind Of) here!
CEO
DOG PERSON🐶
Pets: I have a half border collie, half angel named Mikey.
Fun stuff: My dog's tongue is slightly longer than her face, so frequently her tongue sticks out a little even when her mouth is closed.
